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Dwarfism occurs when a person is unusually short. Dwarfism itself is not a disease and, as a result, it has no single medical definition.

Different organizations define dwarfism according to various criteria. The advocacy group, Little People of America, define dwarfism as a condition that results in an adult height of less than 4 foot 10 inches.

Medically, a person is considered to have dwarfism when they have a condition that causes them to be very short. But society might consider a person to be a dwarf based on short stature alone.

Some people with achondroplasia develop bone issues, such as scoliosis, have difficulty breathing, or suffer from a narrowing of the spine called spinal stenosis.

A rare form of achondroplasia occurs when people inherit two copies of a mutated gene that causes achondroplasia. This leads to very short bones and a poorly-developed rib cage. Most people with this disorder are stillborn or die in infancy because they cannot breathe.

malnourishment or lack of sufficient food, resulting in growth problems

These are all secondary causes of dwarfism. This means they are not genetic, and may be reversible with early detection and prompt treatment.

How is dwarfism diagnosed?

The most common forms of dwarfism, which are caused by genetic abnormalities of the skeleton and cartilage, may be detected through genetic testing when a fetus is still developing.

Most doctors only perform these tests when there is a reason to believe a fetus is at risk when dwarfism runs in a family. Because most people with dwarfism have parents of normal height, the condition is not typically detected until after birth.

Skeletal dysplasias, the most common type of dwarfism, can usually be diagnosed shortly after birth. X-rays, genetic testing, and a physical exam are frequently enough to diagnose the condition.

Less common forms of dwarfism typically appear later in life. They may be more difficult to diagnose, particularly if a child has no other symptoms other than short stature.

Blood testing to measure HGH levels, testing to assess organ health, and a complete medical history typically reveals the cause.

Treatment and management

Surgery to correct spinal cord abnormalities may help with the management of symptoms.

Some metabolic and hormonal causes of dwarfism may be reversible. Injections with HGH, for example, can help people with a growth hormone deficiency grow to a normal height.

The most common causes of dwarfism, however, are not curable. Instead, treatments focus on managing the symptoms, including:

surgery to correct abnormalities in the bones and spinal cord

removing the tonsils or adenoids to make it easier to breathe

spinal decompression surgery

using a tube called a shunt to drain fluid from the brain

lifestyle changes, such as exercise and weight loss

People with many forms of dwarfism are vulnerable to obesity. Additional weight can increase their risk of heart problems.

Living with dwarfism

People with dwarfism may need help with related medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, very short people can and do lead normal lives.

Many people with dwarfism say that the most difficult part of their condition is the stigma it carries. This stigma may include bullying and employment discrimination, as well as the use of negative terms like "midget."

Because people with dwarfism have special medical needs, most need regular consultations with a team of doctors, including bone and cartilage specialists. However, with management of symptoms, it is possible for a person with dwarfism to live a long and healthy life.

Takeaway

Dwarfism does not have to be viewed as a disabling condition. The TLC show, Little People, Big World, shares the stories of people with dwarfism leading typical lives.

Treating dwarfism as a disability may make very short people feel stigmatized.

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